Collapsible baggage cart

Abstract

A collapsible cart for use with baggage or the like and having a main frame with a handle connected thereto that is readily inwardly deflected to permit pivotal movement between a locked position in which the cart is operational to a collapsed position. The cart further includes a lower frame, auxiliary frame and a linkage for movement relative to the main frame.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A cart for baggage, comprising A. a main frame including 1. spaced apart vertically extending elements,   2. an upper cross-element for connecting said elements at the upper end thereof,   3. a lower cross-element for connecting said elements at the lower end thereof,     B. laterally spaced wheels rotatably mounted at the lower end of said main frame outwardly of each of said vertically extending elements for movement of the cart along a supporting surface,   C. a handle adapted to be gripped by the user of the cart, said handle including a pair of spaced apart elongated resilient arms, each of said arms terminating in a free end, said arms adapted to have said free end of each said arm inwardly disposed,   D. mounting means for obtaining releasable interlocking relationship of said handle in either a stable position extending upwardly from said main frame in readiness for use or in a collapsed position in which said handle and said main frame are relatively positionable in substantially contiguous planes, said mounting means comprising l. a pair of vertically oriented members inwardly disposed of each of said elements and connected to said upper and lower cross-elements,   2. each of said members terminating in an inwardly disposed catch extending above said upper cross-element,     
     
     
       3. a first cross-member mounted between said members below said upper cross-element, said free end of each said arms pivotally mounted on said first cross-member, such that in said stable position each said arm extends vertically between a respective catch and said upper cross-element to prevent pivotal movement, and inwardly positioning of each of said arms on said first cross-member beyond said catches permits said handle to be pivotally moved to said collapsed position, E. a lower frame articulately connected to said main frame for movement relative thereto between a closed position substantially coplanar with said main frame to an open position where said lower frame projects forwardly from said main frame for supporting baggage thereon,   F. an auxiliary frame articulately connected to said lower frame for movement relative thereto between a closed position wherein said auxiliary frame projects downwardly from said lower frame and being engageable with the supporting surface, and   G. linkage means for simultaneously moving said auxiliary frame in unison with said lower frame between said open and closed positions.   
     
     
       2. A cart as in claim 1, wherein said linkage means comprises a. a second cross-member mounted between said vertically oriented members and below said first cross-member, and   b. a link-member pivotally mounted at one end thereof to said second cross-member, and at the opposite end thereof pivotally mounted to said auxiliary frame, such that pivotal movement of said lower frame relative to said main frame is obtained.   
     
     
       3. A cart as in claim 2, wherein said free end of each said arms is independently movable transversely on said first cross-member for inwardly positioning same beyond said catches for pivotally moving said handle relative to said main frame. 
     
     
       4. A cart as in claim 1, wherein said arms automatically return to their normal position after being released from said inwardly disposed position. 
     
     
       5. A cart as in claim 4, wherein said arms are horizontally spaced from each other a distance to be manually gripped by one hand of the user for movement to said inwardly disposed position. 
     
     
       6. A cart as in claim 1, wherein each said arm is biased outwardly against one of said members in said stable position.